Provider Relations Manager

We’re passionate about supporting children and their early learning journeys!
We’re seeking a detail-oriented and forward-thinking Provider Relations Manager to join our team. This leadership role oversees the Provider Relations staff and manages the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) provider networks. Responsibilities include ensuring provider eligibility, enrollment, and contract maintenance in alignment with Florida state law, program requirements, and Early Learning Coalition (ELC) policies. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Business, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field required
• Four years of experience in private or public sector social/human services program administration, required
• Two years experience supervising or coordinating work amongst employees, required
• Supervisory experience including participation in hiring/termination, performance management, and staff training, required
• An understanding of child care programs, early childhood education, social service issues, community action programs, and/or serving low-income communities

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional customer service, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and customers of varying backgrounds and skill levels
• Exemplary computer skills including extensive experience with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in successfully managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Ability to supervise, train, motivate and lead a team of employees
• Excellent project planning, implementation, and training skills
• Willingness to attend and participate in ELC events and trainings
• Must exhibit a positive attitude and be an example to others in problem-solving, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and commitment to the organization’s mission and vision

What You Will Do (Summary):

• Supervise and direct the activities of the Provider Relations staff, including interviewing, recommending hiring/terminating, training, planning, assigning work, performance management, administering discipline, addressing complaints, and resolving problems
• Serve as a hands-on manager by participating in daily operations and offering direct guidance, support, and training to ensure best practices are consistently applied 
• Develop comprehensive training materials, job aids, and reference materials for the Provider Relations team and other staff
• Organize recruitment of new providers and provider onboarding processes
• Direct the School Readiness and VPK provider contracting process
• Manage annual Provider Profile/CCR&R updates and adhere to all Child Care Resource & Referral requirements
• Create content for and update Provider Relations areas of ELC website
• Supervise maintenance and monitoring of provider and unit-related information in approved Coalition data system and internal files
• Collaborate with other Coalition departments on quality initiatives, enrollment issues, and resolution of provider payment questions
• Facilitate and approve all technical assistance materials and communications to School Readiness & VPK providers
• Direct and support Provider Relations team in assisting contracted providers to meet programmatic and contractual requirements through a variety of engagement strategies, including one-on-one technical assistance, group training, webinars, and ongoing communication
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of Florida Statute, Florida Administrative Code, and Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Early Learning (DEL), and ELC policies that govern childcare and the School Readiness and VPK programs
• Participate in statewide calls, webinars, meetings, and rulemaking processes related to the School Readiness and VPK programs
• Prepare and contribute to annual and quarterly reports to DEL, board, partner agencies, and funding sources as well as other internal reports and data requests
• Prepare and review documentation for audits and DEL accountability reviews
• Coordinate with DCF licensing and Program Office regarding provider operational status, complaints, School Readiness Health & Safety inspections, and joint provider trainings and communications
• Implement the provider corrective action process, make recommendations, and approve decisions regarding probation terms, contract termination, and eligibility to offer the School Readiness and VPK programs
• Administer the VPK Provider on Probation process including, reviewing & approving improvement plans, explaining VPK Readiness Rates, and supporting Provider Relations staff and providers in improvement plan management
• Verify VPK Assessment compliance and eligibility to remain a VPK provider
• Conduct parent complaint intake and report to Department of Children & Families (DCF) and statewide Abuse Hotline
• Oversee resolution of provider concerns by supervising Provider Relations staff in their follow-up on parent complaints and managing all escalated provider issues, ensuring timely, thorough, and policy-aligned responses that support quality and compliance across contracted providers
• Collaborate with leadership to create and implement policies, procedures, and best practices
• Participate in a minimum of two ELC Outreach activities and/or events within the fiscal year
• Participate in structured peer review activities to evaluate work quality, ensure consistency, and support continuous improvement across the team 
• Act on any complaints of illegal harassment or discrimination in compliance with ELC policies and procedures related to illegal harassment
• Ensure appropriate use of all resources by immediately reporting suspected internal and/or external fraud via Coalition’s established Fraud Reporting Procedure
• Contact the Abuse Hotline immediately in the event an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is received and document accordingly

About Us:

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is a local non-profit organization with an annual budget of $36 million. Our mission is to provide leadership and advocacy to build a community where all children are prepared for success in school.

We are guided by our core values:

• Positive Attitude – We approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm.
• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and commitments.
• Respect – We foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
• Teamwork – We collaborate to achieve our shared goals.

Position: Full-time

Salary Range: $60,000 -$63,000

Benefits: This is a full-time position that includes the following benefits: health insurance, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, retirement savings plan and loan forgiveness eligible employer, etc.

Important: Qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter with salary requirements to elcemployment@elcbigbend.org.

ELC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or veteran status. ELC is committed to building a diverse team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Applicants may undergo a skills assessment. 

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community!